Keeton sets record pace

Cross-country runner Jennifer Keeton set the sixth fastest all-time record in GC&SU history Sept. 17 at the Wingate Invitational in North Carolina.

The sophomore ran the 3.7-mile race in 27 minutes and 16 seconds. The accomplishment was not a big deal to Keeton.

“I just say we did well,” Keeton said.

Keeton explained what might have helped her run a strong race- a breakfast of French toast smothered in peanut butter and syrup. She also said she sang “How Great is Our God” in her head during the run.

Keeton admitted that this routine might become a new ritual for race day.

Some of her friends do not even know about Keeton’s record setting time. She tries to avoid extra attention by not talking about the victory.

“I don’t like (attention) because it puts a lot of pressure on me for the next races,” Keeton said.

She admitted that most of the pressure she feels is self-imposed. Keeton trains hard and continually strives to improve.

As the sun rises over Milledgeville, the cross-country team is awake and running hard. They practice at 7 a.m. every day, and Keeton depends on her teammates to come bang on her door to make sure she is awake.

“The hardest part about it is getting up in the mornings to go run,” Keeton said.

Keeton said that there are a lot sacrifices that have to be made to succeed in her sport.

Although cross-country can be strenuous and draining, Keeton is passionate about running. She ran on the track and cross-country teams in high school, but her love of running began when she was a 9-year-old girl.

“While other kids were riding bikes, I was running, doing speed workouts,” Keeton said.

Keeton’s dad is a runner, and she said he has had a profound impact on her. He has run 13 marathons and has constantly challenged Keeton in her running.

“He was like another coach,” she said.

Keeton’s current coach at GC&SU is Interim Chair for the Accounting Department Dr. Joe Samprone.

“Jen is a great runner and even a better person. She’s a pleasure to be around,” Samprone said. “She gets along well with all the other runners. She’s a team leader, and any coach would be happy to have her on his team.”

Keeton said that Samprone is a great coach who encourages the team with a laid-back coaching style. She also said he is positive and always wants what is best for his runners.

Running is not always effortless for Keeton.

Keeton got burned out in high school when she ran track and cross-country. However, through the periods of exhaustion, Keeton has chosen not to give up.

“It teaches me to persevere and never quit,” Keeton said.

Instead of complaining, Keeton tries to be thankful that she is healthy and has a body that makes her capable of running.

Keeton believes that she is on the team for a reason and wants to stay focused on that purpose.

“I would mostly say to glorify God with the talent He’s given me by doing my best,” Keeton said. “And I think it’s not about winning, it’s about doing your best. If you can win in the process of doing your best, then woo-hoo!”

Keeton relies on the strength she has found in God.

Keeton said Romans 5:3 is a source of encouragement, spiritually and physically. “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

In the hard times, Keeton said she also seeks support from her friends, family and team.

Keeton is thankful that the team is close this year and has really enjoyed seeing the men and women’s cross-country teams come together. She said they have bonded as a team through long car rides and through tough runs.

“You get really close to the people you sweat with,” Keeton said.

Keeton said that there is friendly competition among team members.

She said they each train hard and earn the time or standing they receive. Although the athletes compete against each other, they also enjoy their time together. Keeton tries to be an encourager to her other teammates.

“She’s definitely one of the most funniest people I’ve ever met,” said teammate Sarah Hakala.

Outside of the sneakers and the sweat of cross-country, Keeton is involved with other activities. She is committed to Campus Outreach and is a Young Life leader.

Keeton’s roommate Mandy Morris said, “Besides being my roommate, she’s probably one of the most selfless people. She really goes out of her way to build new relationships with people.”

As a Young Life leader, Keeton spends time with high school students in the Milledgeville area and hopes to set a positive example for youth.

Senior Alan Dixon, another Young Life leader, said, “On the field she’s a leader, and off the field she’s a leader for her peers, friends and family.”

In her free time, Keeton might be caught with a book or hanging out with her friends. She enjoys other sports such as tennis, swimming, biking and playing flag football.

“Go Parkies!” Keeton said, in support of her flag football team.

Although Keeton is currently an early childhood education major, she plans to coach runners in middle school or high school. She said she wants to stay active and keep running.

“It’s something I can do for the rest of my life,” Keeton said. “I can run for the rest of my life.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 30 2005. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry